As California’s chief financial officer, Betty believes the state’s sustained economic health rests on the financial health of every Californian. It is unacceptable that California, a prominent global economy, is home to high rates of poverty.

Public Service

Betty has over 30 years of experience in public service, specializing in state and local finance and tax policy.

Currently serving as California’s 32nd State Controller, the State’s chief financial officer, she:

Provides sound fiscal control over the receipt and disbursement of public funds.

Monitors the financial operations and condition of both the state and local governments, providing fiscal guidance accordingly.

Ensures fair, equitable, and effective tax administration for the collection of monies due to the State.

Establishes policies for over 80 boards, commissions, and committees, including, but not limited to, those relating to tax administration, public pensions, facilities financing, low-income housing, management of state-owned lands, and bond financing.

Administering the Unclaimed Property Program, returning unclaimed property received from banks, insurance companies, and other business firms to the property owners.

Previously, Betty served as one of five members on the California State Board of Equalization, the nation’s only elected tax commission. She represented close to 9 million Californians in the First Equalization District, comprised of 21 counties primarily along the northern and central California coast and including the entire San Francisco Bay Area — the home to many of the state’s most prominent industries, such as biotechnology, health care, high tech, financial services, wine, and tourism.

Prior to her service on the Board of Equalization, Betty served as the Chief Deputy Director for Budget with the California Department of Finance, where she led the development of the Governor’s Budget, negotiations with the Legislature and key budget stakeholders, and fiscal analysis of legislation on behalf of the Administration. Earlier, Betty held senior staff positions on several fiscal and policy committees in both houses of the California State Legislature. Her legislative career began when she served as a Senate Fellow with the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. Preceding her legislative experience, Ms. Yee served as a county public health commissioner and worked in the nonprofit sector.